Tears are a complex fluid crucial for eye health. They form a film with three layers: an outer oily layer to prevent evaporation, a middle watery layer for hydration and protection, and an inner mucus layer that helps tears adhere to the eye’s surface. This composition allows tears to lubricate, wash away debris, provide nutrients, and fight bacteria. While tears are clear, a yellow tint can signal an underlying issue.
Potential Causes of Yellow Tears
Yellow-tinged tears or eye discharge often indicate an inflammatory or infectious process. Bacterial conjunctivitis, known as pink eye, frequently produces thick, sticky yellow or green discharge that can crust around eyelashes, especially after sleep. This infection is highly contagious.
Allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander, can also lead to stringy or yellowish-white discharge, accompanied by intense itching, redness, and swelling. While less common for thick yellow discharge than bacterial infections, it is a possible cause.
A blocked tear duct, where the drainage system is obstructed, can lead to a backup of tears and sticky, often yellowish, discharge. This condition is common in infants.
Other eye conditions contributing to yellow discharge include blepharitis, an eyelid inflammation that may result in foamy, yellow, or green pus. A stye, an infected oil gland, can also present with yellow pus. Severe conditions like a corneal ulcer, an open sore on the eye’s clear front surface, can cause thick purulent discharge. Systemic conditions like jaundice rarely cause yellow tears directly, though they yellow the skin and whites of the eyes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some crusty discharge upon waking is normal, a sudden or excessive change in tear color to yellow or green warrants medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if yellow tears are persistent. Seek prompt medical attention if yellow tears are accompanied by eye pain, significant redness, or swelling in or around the eye. Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a feeling of something stuck in the eye also require urgent assessment. If you experience fever or other systemic symptoms alongside yellow tears, or if symptoms worsen or show no improvement, see a doctor.
How Yellow Tears Are Diagnosed
Diagnosing yellow tears begins with a thorough review of your medical history and symptoms. A healthcare provider will ask about the onset, duration, and any associated symptoms like pain, itching, or vision changes. This helps narrow down potential causes.
A physical eye examination is then performed, often using a slit lamp microscope to inspect eye structures. To identify pathogens, the doctor may collect a discharge swab for lab testing, such as cultures, to detect bacteria or viruses. If allergies are suspected, further testing may pinpoint specific allergens.
Addressing Yellow Tears
Treatment for yellow tears depends on the underlying cause. For bacterial infections like bacterial conjunctivitis, a doctor prescribes antibiotic eye drops or ointments to eliminate bacteria. Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve quickly.
Viral infections usually do not respond to antibiotics and often resolve on their own, similar to a common cold. Treatment then focuses on relieving symptoms with cool compresses and lubricating artificial tears.
For yellow tears caused by allergies, antihistamine eye drops or mast cell stabilizers can help manage symptoms by blocking inflammatory responses. Avoiding known allergens and applying cold compresses also provides relief.
For blocked tear ducts, particularly in infants, the condition may resolve naturally, sometimes aided by gentle massage. Regardless of the cause, maintaining good eye hygiene, such as gently cleaning eyelids with warm water, can help manage discharge. Always follow a healthcare professional’s specific advice for treatment and care.